Sjögren’s and Neuropathy: Why Your Hands and Feet May Burn, Tingle, or Feel Weak

Many people think of Sjögren’s as a condition that only causes dry eyes and dry mouth. But Sjögren’s is a systemic autoimmune disease, which means it can affect many parts of the body.

It can involve the joints, lungs, kidneys, and even the nervous system. If you have Sjögren’s and have noticed burning, numbness, or weakness in your hands or feet, your nerves may be involved.

A Chicago Rheumatologist can help you find out what is causing these symptoms and which treatment fits you best.

What Is Sjögren’s Disease?

Sjögren’s is an autoimmune condition. The immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.

It is best known for affecting the glands that make tears and saliva. However, it can also cause:

• Joint pain and inflammation
• Lung problems
• Kidney involvement
• Nerve damage (neuropathy)

Because it affects the whole body, Sjögren’s often needs care from a Rheumatology Specialist who understands how the different symptoms connect.

How Common Is Neuropathy in Sjögren’s?

About 15% of people with primary Sjögren’s develop peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy means damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.

This nerve involvement can take several different forms. Each form causes different symptoms.

Types of Nerve Problems Linked to Sjögren’s

Small Fiber Neuropathy

Small fiber neuropathy affects the tiny nerves that carry pain and temperature signals. It may cause:

• Burning pain
• Stabbing or shooting pain
• Discomfort in the hands and feet

Neuropathies That Cause Numbness or Weakness

Other types of neuropathy affect larger nerves. These may lead to:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Muscle weakness

Sensory Ganglionopathy

This form affects nerve cells that help your body sense its position. It can make:

• Your hands feel clumsy
• Walking feel unsteady
• Balance harder to maintain

Autonomic Nervous System Involvement

The autonomic nervous system controls automatic body functions. When Sjögren’s affects these nerves, symptoms may include:

• Lightheadedness when standing up
• Changes in sweating
• Digestive problems
• Bladder symptoms

These symptoms have many possible causes. That is why a careful evaluation is important instead of assuming Sjögren’s is the cause.

How Is Sjögren’s Neuropathy Diagnosed?

Sorting out nerve symptoms takes a step-by-step approach. Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following.

Neurologic Exam

A hands-on exam checks strength, reflexes, sensation, and balance. It helps identify the pattern of nerve involvement.

Nerve Conduction Studies and EMG

These tests measure how well your nerves and muscles work. They can identify certain types of neuropathy.

Important: A normal EMG does not rule out small fiber neuropathy. The small nerves involved often don’t show up on this test.

Skin Biopsy and Autonomic Testing

When symptoms fit, a small skin biopsy can check for small fiber nerve damage. Autonomic testing can evaluate nerves that control blood pressure, sweating, and other automatic functions.

Checking for Other Causes

Not every nerve symptom in someone with Sjögren’s is caused by Sjögren’s. Your doctor will also look for other common causes, such as:

• Diabetes
• Low vitamin B12
• Thyroid disease
• Side effects from medications
• Nerve compression (such as a pinched nerve)

Why Rheumatology and Neurology Work Together

Nerve symptoms in autoimmune disease often need a team approach. Rheumatology and neurology work together to:

1. Identify the nerve pattern
2. Look for the underlying cause
3. Decide what treatment should focus on

Treatment may target nerve pain, an underlying condition, or active immune-related nerve damage. This coordinated approach is a key part of effective Autoimmune Disease Treatment.

Treatment Options for Sjögren’s Neuropathy

Medications for Nerve Pain

Several medications can help ease nerve pain symptoms, including:

• Gabapentin
• Pregabalin
• Duloxetine

These are commonly used as part of Chronic Pain Management for nerve-related pain.

Immune-Based Treatments

If neuropathy is severe or getting worse, especially when there is weakness or vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels), treatments that calm the immune system may be considered. The choice depends on the specific diagnosis. Options can include:

• Steroids
• Rituximab (Rituxan)
• IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin)
• Other immune treatments

Your doctor will tailor treatment to your symptoms, test results, and overall health.

When Should You Talk to Your Doctor?

If you have Sjögren’s, bring up any new nerve symptoms with your physician, such as:

• Burning pain
• Numbness or tingling
• New weakness
• Balance problems or unsteady walking

Early evaluation helps find the cause and start the right treatment sooner.

Comprehensive Arthritis Care in Chicago

At Chicago Arthritis and Regenerative Medicine, we care for people living with autoimmune disease, joint pain, and chronic inflammation. Our services include:

• Arthritis Treatment Chicago patients rely on for inflammatory and autoimmune conditions
• Osteoarthritis Treatment focused on function and quality of life
• Joint Pain Relief through personalized care plans
• Regenerative Medicine Chicago options, including PRP Therapy, for appropriate joint and musculoskeletal conditions

Every patient receives an individualized plan built around their diagnosis and goals, with a focus on complete Arthritis Care.

Conclusion

Sjögren’s is more than dry eyes and dry mouth. It can also affect your nerves, causing burning pain, numbness, weakness, balance problems, or changes in automatic body functions.

The good news is that there are ways to find out what’s happening and treatments that can help. A careful evaluation can identify the type of nerve involvement, rule out other causes, and guide the right treatment.

If you’re experiencing new nerve symptoms with Sjögren’s, don’t wait. Learn more or schedule a visit with a Chicago Rheumatologist at ChicagoArthritis.com.

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